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Second hand A2 licence friendly bikes for under £5,000

Published:
18 October 2013

Kawasaki ER-6nKawasaki’s naked middleweight is a true Marmite bike – some love its quirky looks, others hate them. Whatever your taste there is no denying the ER is an excellent first bike for those who hold an A2 licence, however it does require a restriction kit, something that will cost around £100 extra.

Powered by a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine that makes 72bhp in unrestricted form, even restraining it to 47bhp fails to rob it of any of its charming character or user friendliness.

The motor has a lovely wide spread of torque that means you aren’t continually having to change gear while the light clutch is perfect for those who spend their time commuting in heavy traffic. But it is outside congested streets that the ER truly excels.

The tubular steel chassis and basic suspension may appear a little crude, however they perform exceptionally well, delivering a ride that is both entertaining and nimble.

Newer riders will appreciate the Kawasaki’s low seat height and balanced feeling at slow speeds while once they become more experienced they will be even more impressed with how accomplished the ER’s chassis is when pushed.

Don’t under estimate this quirky looking Kawasaki, it has won both TT and North West races in the hands of Ryan Farquhar, although not in restricted form…

The ER-6n is a brilliant A2 licence bike that can be picked up second hand for a bargain and then once you have gained your full licence removing the restrictors will open up a whole new world of possibilities.

And remember, if you are going to be different go bold – get one in green or yellow to really stand out!

Suzuki V-Strom 650Stupid name – great bike. The baby V-Strom is one of the most under-rated bikes on the UK’s roads.

With a £125 restrictor bringing it into A2 form the V-Strom is as happy touring as it is commuting and delivers excellent mpg figures. The fairing is effective and the riding position extremely comfortable.

Triumph BonnevilleRetro looks with modern reliability make the Bonnie a great buy for the fashion conscious A2 licence holder.

A £35 restrictor kit brings the injected bike into A2 territory while tidy used bikes are easy to come by. Certain to impress both you and your mates, the Triumph is biking icon.

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